Arson suspected in Cape fire

Someone tried to burn down a new Cape Girardeau nightclub between Monday night and Tuesday morning, spreading what was thought to be gasoline over a carpeted area around the dance floor, fire officials said.

The flammable liquid was found spread in about 20 spots on the carpet at 823 S. Kingshighway, said battalion chief Steve Niswonger. No one was injured in the fire.

Police were contacted first and they then called fire officials. The club, TJ's, was still being prepared for its main opening in the next week or two, he said.

Fortunately, the fire burnt itself out before spreading further than the carpet, Niswonger said. Samples of the carpet were sent to the SEMO Crime Lab to determine exactly what chemical was used.

Niswonger said the department investigates about six arsons a year.

"Most of our arsons are found out to have been done out of malice or a disagreement," he said. "Few are professionally set by someone who really knows what they're doing."

The nightclub incident is still under investigation by the Cape Girardeau Police Department. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact detective Joe Tado at 335-6621.